Expectant moms: 11 hospital bag essentials

I packed my hospital bag when I was 37 weeks pregnant and parked it by the back door — where it sat for 4 1/2 weeks. At this point, my husband calmly rolled it to the car on the way to my labor induction. Even though we never had a rush-to-the-hospital moment, it was a stress-reducer to have everything ready to go ahead of time.

“It’s never too early to pack your hospital bag,” said Laura Shelton, childbirth educator at Novant Health. “A good time is at some point during the third trimester, when you’re really getting ready and thinking through what would be helpful to have on hand during labor and delivery.”

Ready? Get your rolling suitcase out of the closet — maybe even two, so one can hold labor items and one can be devoted to your hospital stay. Here’s what Shelton recommends packing in your hospital bag for giving birth at Novant Health— and what the hospital already has covered. (Scroll to the bottom for a printable list that cuts to the chase.)

Comfortable clothing — for during labor and for during your hospital stay.

You are not required to wear a hospital gown. Gowns are loose and flowy to make certain things easier such as getting your epidural, doing skin-to-skin with your baby and breastfeeding. But many people prefer different options, and even change their outfits as labor progresses. Clothing options include:

• Sports bras or nursing bras
• Underwear, or nothing at all
• Robes or loose, flowy clothing like a nightgown
• Fuzzy socks with grippy bottoms (I still wear these at home)

Also add an outfit to your bag to wear when you’re ready to go home. Keep this comfortable, too, as your body will be in healing mode. Depending on the season, consider a loose, casual dress or stretchy pants with a sweatshirt.

Pillow and blanket

While Novant Health does provide linens and pillows, it’s nice to have your favorite pillow and a cozy blanket to make your room feel more like home.

Toiletries

Novant Health provides basic toiletries such as shampoo, soap and conditioner, as well as towels and washcloths. But you’re welcome to bring your own preferred soaps. Also, be sure to pack:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Face wash and moisturizer
• Contacts/glasses and solutions if needed
• Shower shoes if preferred

Lip balm

Labor often involves heavier mouth breathing, which can quickly lead to dry, chapped lips — especially in colder months. A good lip moisturizer is a small but mighty essential.

Music, entertainment and a camera

Labor moods change, so plan for variety, whether you come in with some downloads or want to tap into the hospital Wi-Fi. These may come in handy:

• A playlist with both upbeat and calming options
• Bluetooth speaker (optional)
• Phone, laptop or tablet for both music and movies/shows (my husband and I rewatched multiple comedy specials during labor to lighten the mood)
• A camera if you don’t want to rely on your phone
• Charging cords

Note: Photos of you, your room and your baby are encouraged — but recording medical procedures isn’t allowed. Always check with your care team if you’re unsure.

Baby book for footprints

Novant Health offers newborn footprints as a keepsake. If you bring a baby book, staff can often place prints directly inside. It’s not a formal process — just a thoughtful service that involves an artistic touch with an ink pad.

Labor aids and comfort tools

Novant Health provides key labor aids, including:

• Birthing balls
• Peanut balls (a peanut-shaped inflatable ball)
• Squatting bars
• Mirrors

If you want to use additional items like lotions, essential oils and massage tools, pack those in your baby bag. Also note that if you hire a doula, they may already plan to bring them.

Snacks and drinks

When you’re admitted to the hospital, you’ll start a clear-liquid diet as a safety measure. This reduces the risk of nausea, vomiting, or food and water getting in your lungs (aspiration) if anesthesia or an urgent procedure becomes necessary. You can still snack on items like broth, popsicles, Jell-O and clear soda.

If you’re low-risk for a C-section, you can also be on the “labor diet,” which involves a menu with snacks to order. This is available until you receive an epidural or reach 6 cm dilation.

That said, certain favorite items like seltzer water may not be on the menu, so feel free to bring your own. Your support person may also want items on hand that they can eat. If you have questions about what’s ideal to consume during your stay, just ask your care team.

Valid ID

Bring a valid driver’s license or passport for both you and your partner or support person. IDs are needed for security and birth certificate paperwork.

Feeding supplies and support

All staff are trained on breastfeeding and can help with the basics of getting your baby latched — you generally receive this support right when your baby is born. Your labor nurse and postpartum nurse provide initial breastfeeding support both in the delivery room and during your hospital stay. Lactation consultants will visit you in your room throughout your stay and will help with any breastfeeding challenges.

As for packing, consider multiple nursing bras.

Baby clothing

Toss in one laundered outfit and a blanket for your baby, specifically for the car ride home. While you can dress your baby however you want during your hospital stay, babies often simply wear a diaper and a swaddle for easy changing, skin-to-skin contact and monitoring by the nurses.

Consider packing a swaddle blanket with Velcro (there may also be one included in your take-home package from Novant Health). Fabric-only swaddles can be stressful for new parents — I found it hard to relax when I was struggling to properly swaddle and keep loose fabric away from my baby’s nose.

Don’t forget to ask your care team how to best use your swaddle(s) — they’re happy to help.

What not to pack

You’ve probably already stuffed a lot in your bag, so it’s helpful to note that Novant Health supplies postpartum items for both you and your baby. That includes:

• Diapers and wipes
• Pads, mesh underwear, witch hazel, numbing spray, ice packs and sitz bath
• All medications for you and your baby (including prescriptions listed in your chart). If you bring personal medications, they’ll be reviewed by the pharmacy before use.

Now that your bag is packed, all that’s left is getting your baby’s car seat ready.

You’ll need a properly installed car seat before discharge. Consider taking this step around the same time you’re marking off your hospital bag checklist — you won’t want the added stress of this when baby’s on the way. Car seat safety checks are a great idea — find a local inspection site at BuckleUpNC.org.